In recognition of World Spay Day on February 24, the BC SPCA joined animal welfare organizations worldwide in the effort to increase access to spay and neuter services for vulnerable animals to reduce pet overpopulation and improve the health of animals across the province.
“Not only does spaying or neutering your pet help prevent accidental litters and reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community, but it can also have some pretty significant health and behavioural benefits too,” explains Parm Takhar, Chief Direct Care Officer with the BC SPCA. “Participating in World Spay Day allows the BC SPCA to expand on our existing community spay and neuter efforts to help even more vulnerable animals across the province. It also helps alleviate some of the burden our Animal Services teams have been feeling from increasing numbers of accidental litters.”
Over the course of two days, February 24 and February 25, the BC SPCA’s two veterinary hospitals and two dedicated spay/neuter clinics offered free spay or neuter surgeries for 58 animals total, 11 dogs and 47 cats. This includes 11 animals at the Prince George Spay/Neuter Clinic, 24 animals at the Vancouver Animal Hospital, 6 animals at the Penticton Veterinary Hospital, and 17 animals at the Kamloops Spay/Neuter Clinic. All patients received a full veterinary examination, permanent identification with free BC Pet Registry registration, and other care like vaccinations or nail trims, if needed.
Many of the animals who received care during World Spay Day events at the BC SCPA were previously saved from abandonment themselves. One of the dogs, Boris, a one-year-old Great Pyrenees puppy, who received a neuter surgery was rescued by his guardian after being abandoned with his mother and siblings. Meanwhile, another animal guardian whose cat, Pumpkin, underwent a spay surgery shared how much being a responsible pet owner means to them, despite money being tight. “I adopted three children who needed something to love. This program allowed these children to have a pet.”
As a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations, the BC SPCA’s participation in World Spay Day was made possible by the generosity and support of community partners including Zoetis Pets, Boehringer Ingelheim, Critteraid Animal Sanctuary, Four Paws Food Bank Foundation, Community Veterinary Outreach and Atira Women’s Society.